Self-Neglect vs. Elder Abuse

Self-neglect is not only is self-neglect difficult to define, it is also difficult to categorize. In the past, self-neglect was categorized under elder-abuse. This is understandable as self-neglect is related to elder mistreatment (National Research Council, 2003) (Figure 1). Beginning in the early 2000s, experts began to agree that self-neglect should not be included as a form of elder abuse just as suicide is not considered a form of murder (Lachs & Pillemer, 2015).

Figure 1: Elder Mistreatment and Adjacent Domains of Research and Policy. When do harmful acts or omissions lie within the domain of elder mistreatment? A = core area of elder mistreatment Adjacent domains of research and policy interest: B = mistreatment of adults with disabilities C = “self-neglect” by elderly people; victimization by strangers D = spouse or intimate partner discord or violence involving an elderly partner (National Research Council, 2003, p. 43)

Currently, there are 5 forms of elder abuse. These include physical abuse, verbal or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and neglect. Self-neglect is not considered to be a form of elder abuse. However, most states in the US still legally categorize self-neglect under elder abuse, probably because the laws have not been updated (State Definitions, Laws, and Processes). Moreover, historical data from APS often includes self-neglect under elder abuse (see Types of elder abuse for Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services, 2013). This can be confusing for those first learning about self-neglect and elder abuse.

It is important to know that the term”mistreatment” is sometimes used instead of “abuse” to make it clear that self-neglect is being excluded. In other words, “elder mistreatment” excludes self-neglect and means that someone other than the elder individual has caused “some injury, deprivation, or dangerous condition”(National Research Council, 2003, p. 40).

Self-Neglect as a Syndrome

Researchers have argued for decades that self-neglect is a syndrome, a group of symptoms that consistently occur together (Reyes-Ortiz, Burnett, Flores, Halphen, & Dyer, 2014; Halliday, Banerjee, Philpot, & Macdonald, 2000; Macmillan & Shaw, 1966; Syndrome, n.d.). There are 5 symptoms that most researchers agree are usually seen with self-neglect: squalor, social withdrawal, apathy, hoarding, and lack of shame (Pavlou & Lachs, 2006; Lee & LoGiudice, 2012). In addition, substance abuse, dementia, and depression are often seen in self-neglect (National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, n.d.). However, there is no agreement on exactly what elements of these symptoms must be present to diagnose self-neglect. Ultimately, an expert must evaluate the individual to determine if self-neglect exists (Culo, 2011). For more information, see Most Important Characteristics of Self-Neglect Picture List.

Did You Know!

Self-neglect is defined as self-care and/or living conditions that are potentially hazardous to the health, safety or well-being of adults

Who is at Risk for Self-Neglect?

Self-neglect can occur at any age, but is most commonly seen is in the elderly, especially over 75 years of age (Lauder & Roxburgh, 2012). It also occurs in adults with disabilities. When self-neglect occurs with other diseases, it can create a cycle; as self-neglect worsens, it causes the other conditions to worsen as well. For more information, see History of Self-Neglect, Causes & Risk Factors, Hoarding, Depression, and Dementia .

Selfneglect.org is a free educational website

Ethical & Legal Aspects of Self-Neglect

Addressing self-neglect can be complicated. When an individual is of sound mind, he or she is allowed to act as they like, even when the behavior is harmful.(Day et al., 2016). There are two main exceptions: incompetency and self-neglecting behaviors that place others at risk of harm. Incompetency is when an individual has a poor ability to remember, reason, or understand the consequences of their actions (Competency and Incompetency, n.d.). Legally, it means that the person cannot make legally binding decisions (Ridings, 2008). Individuals with self-neglect are also not legally allowed to place others in danger. For example, if self-neglecting behaviors violate city housing codes or fire codes, officials may intervene and force the individual to make corrections. However, if individuals with self-neglect are competent and follow the law, they cannot be forced to change their behavior (autonomy) (Ridings, 2008). These concepts are more fully explored in the sections Ethics, Competency, International and US Federal Law, US State Law, Advance Directives and Guardianship.

Did You Know!

Self-neglect is not included in any list of formally recognized medical or psychiatric diseases

Getting Involved

Despite all of these obstacles, loved-ones can still make a positive difference for those with self-neglect. Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-run agency in all 50 states. APS helps the elderly and adults with disabilities by assessing each situation, then developing a plan to address his or her unique needs (NAPSA, n.d.b). Adult Protective Services reviews all reports of suspected self-neglect and investigates those that pass the screening process. Self-neglect accounts for almost half of cases reported to APS (Woolf, 1998). Those reporting self-neglect can choose to remain anonymous. Getting Involved, Worried About Reporting Self-Neglect, Adult Protective Services, Reporting Self-Neglect, What Happens Next, and Caregiving all have dedicated sections on Selfneglect.org.